]]>As an artist, you’ll know, that sometimes you just can’t find inspiration yourself to write. Writer’s block is real, and like these guys, you might find that sometimes you just can’t find the right words for what you want to say. So, in times like this, what do you do? Download apps, attempt to get yourself into trouble, or simply stare at the cursor as it blinks? Well, we at Zimrii have suffered our fair share of blocked creative moments. Truth is, it can hit us at the worst of times. So, we thought we’d list our top 4 songwriter techniques to unstick your mojo and help you nurture your next great hit.

If you consider yourself a bad-boy beat poet, then you might already know this champion of songwriter techniques. There’s evidence that the cut-up technique stems back to the 1920s, but no doubt it’s most famous devotee was William Burroughs, who used it to help his creative process.

It was adopted by superstars such as Kurt Cobain, David Bowie and Thom Yorke; who all used the technique to inspire esoteric and unusual lyric combinations in their music. You can even watch a video of Bowie on YouTube!

Its beauty lies in its simplicity; all you need to do is to is write down a series of lines or words, chop them up, and rearrange them. If you’ve ever dallied with fridge poetry, you’ll know what we mean. Most of these artists used the cut-up technique as a start-point to branch off into their songs; but if it produces gold, why knock a good thing?

As with all arts, practice makes perfect. Whatever your take is on the law of attraction, morning pages is a useful creative tool as there’s no wrong way to do it. Cameron has a few basic rules for full effect – for example, you must complete three sides, you must write the pages out with a pen and you must complete the pages first thing after you wake up.

Importantly, you must not show these pages to anyone else. This is your special space, where you’re able to dump whatever may be on your mind at that time of the morning. Be that fears, worries, anger or frustration. When you start, it might feel forced – and if you can’t think of anything to say then you can just write that, over and over. People who practise this daily have been known to report less anxiety and more productivity through the day.

Our creativity is generally stored in our liminal space, that is, the space just outside of your consciousness, and when you brain-dump in the morning you train yourself to access this easily. Keep at it, and who knows what gift the creative gods will give you?

3. Challenge yourself to underwrite

John Lennon wrote around a decade of chart-toppers before he sat down at his Steinway piano one chilly morning in 1971 and completed the majority of the song in one session. The wizard of words and songwriter techniques understood the power of the underwrite only once he’d overwritten ten years of beautiful, surrealist lyrics – but if you want to skip your songwriter mojo forward a decade, try imposing a word limit on yourself.

This technique forces you to become more creative with the small tools you do have and makes sure that every word you write counts. After all, why describe your wild dreams to your fans, and tell them you know they dream too, when you can get that across in ten simple words “You may say I’m a dreamer…but I’m not the only one”.

4. Feedback

Last but not least, is feedback. Look. At Zimrii know what it’s like to rip your heart out and nail it into your song. We’ve done it ourselves, a number of times. So, we understand that there can be a want to hold onto your babies for as long as possible. But our last songwriter techniques tip is listen to your feedback. Understand what works in your songs, and what doesn’t quite fly. Adapt and change your output based on the opinions of your fans. After all, they’re the ones buying your songs, so their opinions are important.

Inspired by our songwriter techniques? Great! Make sure you join Zimrii, the innovative music platform that allows you total control of your music business. Using Blockchain technology to register your Copyright and lock-down your ownership, Zimrii uses Smart Contracts and integrated crowdfunding features to help you connect with your audience and earn direct to artist – cutting away the outdated middleperson. It’s the twenty-first century music revolution!

Disclaimer – Although we always endeavour to deliver accurate and insightful information, if you are seeking medical or legal advice, please speak to a professional. All opinions within this blog are the writer’s, should you identify content that is incorrect, please get in contact.

]]>https://www.zimrii.com/4-of-the-best-songwriter-techniques/feed/022383The future of live musichttps://www.zimrii.com/the-future-of-live-music/
https://www.zimrii.com/the-future-of-live-music/#respondWed, 31 Oct 2018 07:15:29 +0000http://148.66.137.120/~qosg8xr2vujt/zimriiinew.au/?p=22372Live music has been an important part of our culture since the dawn of time. It’s been an integral part...

]]>Live music has been an important part of our culture since the dawn of time. It’s been an integral part of communication, from the mimic of the sounds of nature to alert others to the populous of the area, to flutes made from animal bones. Through reverb guitars and leopard-print, to VR holograms of long-dead singers; what’s true is that there will always be a place in the world for live music.

In fact, it’s part of the music word that hasn’t undergone diverse and extensive changes. Music can now be made at home, mastered on an iPhone and distributed at the touch of a button. Merch can be ordered in short runs and has transcended royalties to become a band’s biggest source of income. The internet has revolutionised fans connections with their favourite artists, as they can see deep into their lives at the touch of a button. So, it’s great that the good old gig will always stay the same, right?

Well, at Zimrii we’re all about positive technological change. In fact, that’s why we built our Blockchain enabled platform, to transform contracts and royalty payments. So, it might not come as a surprise to you that we’ve got a few suggestions of how the live music is about to change.

Holograms

No doubt the most well-known advance in live music technology is the hologram. This sci-fi reminiscent method of re-animation recently drew buzz when superstars Abba announced that holographic versions of themselves would soon embark on a world tour. The reunion, and the work that went into the creation of the characters had an unexpected side effect, the band reunited to record two new tracks! These holograms aren’t just a trick of the light; many months of research and motion tracking sessions from previous performances go into their creation.

The implications of this tech, of course, are revolutionary. Imagine Nirvana reunited with Kurt Cobain? Or Jeff Buckley alive and well? Holograms have already emerged for revolutionary performances, such as Tupac with Dr Dre in 2012 at Coachella, and Roy Orbison’s recent holographic tour with a full orchestra at his back.

Trouble is, you only need click on those videos to experience the Uncanny Valley phenomenon. It’s a school of thought that suggests that the more “real” these holograms become, the more our human brain is fine-tuned to identify small indications in them that they do not have the spark of life. So, until, like Dr Frankenstein, a lightning bolt flashes down from the sky to animate these beings, we at Zimrii think holographic technology may be nothing more than a fad.

Augmented reality

If we expand that concept outwards, though, we come to augmented reality. Those of us familiar with Pokémon Go already know the sheer power of augmented reality devices; but when applied to live shows, the result can take your breath away. Imagine a dragon that flies through the crowd when your favourite band plays their hardest rock song? Or butterflies that arch out from the chest of the singer? Using mobile phone and VR-headset technology, old fashioned backdrop projections and side screens could take on a brand-new role at gigs.

This concept was trialed in part by the band Matchbox Twenty in 2017 for their 20-year celebration concert. To ensure they could bring their celebration to all of their fans, they partnered with Swivel VR to transform their show into a 360 experience. Fans could also buy VIP tickets, that allowed them, if they had a VR headset, to jump on stage and sing a song of their choice with lead singer of the band Rob Thomas.

If you’re curious, it’s worth downloading the Swivel VR app, which has a demo of the concert as standard. This unique tech allows fans from all round the globe to access and enjoy gigs and concerts, especially when this technology is paired with a VR headset. Ever been upset your favourite band don’t have your country on their tour dates? Not anymore! At Zimrii we think this can’t roll out soon enough!

Custom experience

Last but not least, live music’s future may also lie in custom frequency tracks. Companies such as Even and Nuraphone have already trail-blazed their way through Kickstarter to create headphones that scan the ear and adjust the music based on the unique frequency chart of the user; but at Zimrii we wonder whether this technology has the scope to be applied to live shows as well?

Imagine a crystal-clear, personalised sound that’s the best you could ever hear your favourites, live. Funneled right into your ear whilst you watched the show. Your experience and yours alone. We don’t know about you, but at Zimrii, that sounds like sweet music to our ears.

Inspired for the future of live music? Make sure you join Zimrii, the innovative music platform that allows you total control of your music business. Using Blockchain technology to register your Copyright and lock-down your ownership, Zimrii uses Smart Contracts and integrated crowdfunding features to help you connect with your audience and earn direct to artist – cutting away the outdated middleperson. It’s the twenty-first century music revolution!

Disclaimer – Although we always endeavour to deliver accurate and insightful information, if you are seeking medical or legal advice, please speak to a professional. All opinions within this blog are the writer’s, should you identify content that is incorrect, please get in contact.

]]>https://www.zimrii.com/the-future-of-live-music/feed/022372How to get people to come to your live showshttps://www.zimrii.com/how-to-get-people-to-come-to-your-live-shows/
https://www.zimrii.com/how-to-get-people-to-come-to-your-live-shows/#respondWed, 18 Jul 2018 09:36:05 +0000http://148.66.137.120/~qosg8xr2vujt/zimriiinew.au/?p=22270If you’re browsing Zimrii, we know you’re a music-lover. So we think it’s safe to say at some point, we’ve...

]]>If you’re browsing Zimrii, we know you’re a music-lover. So we think it’s safe to say at some point, we’ve all had the dream of being whisked away in a champagne stretch-limo, supported by our art, leaving us hours of time to create our magnum opus. We bet you can’t wait to see people at your live shows!

Thing is, that doesn’t happen. Not anymore. In fact, it’s getting harder and harder to break into any kind of music without being born a young, rich person with parents who have some serious money. It takes courage, even if you’re a GarageBand guru or a DIY diamond. Also, at some point, people are going to want to see your show, and you’re going to have to get on stage.

So, how exactly do you connect to the hundreds of music-starved consumers, with open ears and open hearts, ready to make the musical connection of their lives?

Well, it’s a little bit of team work, a little bit of hope, a lot of self-belief, and a tiny bit of magic. Here are some of the ways we know that’ll help get people through those live show doors.

As for the magic, well, that’s up to you and whatever god you pray too…

Shameless self-promotion

We’re just going to come out and say it. If you ever want your music to reach your peeps then you have to self-promote. We know, we know, it’s a frowned upon phrase. Lucky for you, the faster that technology moves, the easier it becomes for your music to find your crowd.

If you’re producing anything you want others to hear, your first two essentials are SoundCloud and Bandcamp, that both focus on bringing social networking and music together. Your fans can stream tracks, click hashtags, buy downloads as well as merchandise and hard copies of CDs, all in one simple place. Bandcamp also offers you the option to list shows, creating an instant and simple link between your music as it is recorded, and your music as it is live.

The same is true then, of Facebook, so make sure your band has its own Facebook page (which, if you’ve all got accounts, you can all operate at once) and don’t do anything without creating a Facebook event.

Don’t forget Twitter, and the power of a celebrity retweet and Instagram, where you can literally show the band’s influences, and by the power of the hashtag, find fans who are also interested in the same things.

Start a mailing list for your band, and make sure you keep it at the merch desk at all times. People change their email address way less than they switch phone numbers or Facebook accounts, so it’ll provide your fans with the right info, in the right way, for longer. Some places offer an incentive on sign-up to boost their list even further, such as a download of an exclusive track.

Location, location

Getting the right gig in the right place is just as important as getting any gig at all.

Like it or not, venues have a reputation for certain types of music, and anything outside of that specific type of music will not go down well. Just think, a folk band would not gain any new fans from performing at a metal night, would they? All they’d probably get is a headache.

Before accepting any gigs, make sure you Google the venue.

If it’s not for your type of music, then it’s best to decline. Powerful, targeted-style gigs can increase your fans fast! It also builds your social connections with other musicians in the same scene, which is great if they ever end up sans support slot.

Go Public

So, you’ve done all of the above. Now, how possible is it that you’ll get your new fans to leave the house?

How many times would you go see a new band you just discovered?

Too many shows, and your fans will drop off. Too few, and they’ll move onto pastures new. The key to getting more fans through the door, is to combine your gigs with special events. Album launches, or tours will excite your new fan base, and increase footfall.

If you have a music journalist you particularly admire, message them and ask them if they want to come to the show on the guestlist. Most music journalists write in a freelance capacity, and if they feel strongly about how you perform, you might get a golden review.

Networking at shows is also important. Outward support for other bands in the same scene is a priceless promotional tool, so be nice to the rest of the bands on the bill. You never know, you might become a priceless pop power-couplet.

Live in the present

Most important, is to be there for your fans. If they invest in you, you should invest in them.

Science actually tells us that singing together in a group increases our sense of belonging, so if you can, add a foot stomping refrain to your reverie, cos it’ll actually help to bring you and your fans close.

If you’ve got the budget, try and create merch for one gig and one gig only – as this will help your fans to talk to each other about that previous gig, and create competitions for one-of-a-kind-items (we’re thinking broken drum sticks) to keep their attention.

]]>https://www.zimrii.com/how-to-get-people-to-come-to-your-live-shows/feed/022270Predicting 3 Breakout Artists for 2018https://www.zimrii.com/predicting-3-breakout-artists-for-2018/
https://www.zimrii.com/predicting-3-breakout-artists-for-2018/#respondFri, 13 Jul 2018 09:48:15 +0000http://148.66.137.120/~qosg8xr2vujt/zimriiinew.au/?p=22285Happy 2018, with a New Year comes new music. Which is something we, at Zimrii, love. Our soundtrack to 2017...

]]>Happy 2018, with a New Year comes new music. Which is something we, at Zimrii, love. Our soundtrack to 2017 included the likes of Taylor Swift, Sia, and we’re not shy to admit it, that hip-twisting Despacito remix with Justin Bieber. While it definitely didn’t make our Spanish any better, it did make us feel like we were stuck in summer for the whole year round.

If only the weather had felt the same way.

Music, whether you consider yourself a melody manic, or a casual harmony hummer, is one of the biggest modifiers of your mood. Science actually shows that music stimulates around ten different parts of your brain, mostly the centres responsible for being creative, what you perceive, emote, and react to.

So, it’s no surprise that, each new year, people scramble to predict breakout artists for the coming 12 months. When you look for your new favourite tunes, where do you start? At Imperial Beats, here’s who we think are going to be storming the stairway to the music hall of fame in 2018. Don’t say we didn’t warn you…

Pale Waves

Pale Waves met at The University of Manchester in 2014. They were formed by ‘musical soul-mates’ Heather Barron-Gracie, who’ll be your modern-day Nancy from The Craft; and Ciara Doran, who’ll do the same for Steve Severin. Quickly they adopted two more members, who helped them turn into the powerhouse you see before you.

This year they built up a cult following in Manchester, before touring with The 1975. They say they make music ‘to make people cry’, and that’s exactly what they deliver.

With their classically 90’s sounding reverb intros, Pale Waves skirt many genres, Pop, Electro, Indie-goth, Dream Pop, Grunge, all soaked with a heavy dose of glam-glitter. Never quite dropping firmly in one genre or the other, and the result is an incredible, head-bouncing way-more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts blast that just won’t leave your brain.

Fall in love with their lullaby riffs, that find their way deep into your psyche before you even realise it, and be carried off to candy-goth dreamscapes by memorable lyrics such as “oh baby won’t you stop it, you and I haven’t got it got it”. Their sound is a sleek, clean, twenty-first century take on dirty new-glam that was pioneered 20-30 years ago by bands such a Hole, My Vitriol and Suede.

If you ask us, that sound is way due a resurgence. They’re our favourite one to watch, and that’s why they’re top of the list.

Check out their track Television Romance to kick off your Pale Waves revolution.

For fans of: Hole, The Birthday Massacre, Suede, Chvrches.

Billie Eilish

If you can believe it, Billie Eilish was born this side of the millennium (we know, we know).

She set out to record the song Ocean Eyes (actually a cover) as the backdrop to a dance routine, and thought she might as well post it to Soundcloud for friends and family. She was lucky, because it became a viral hit, and cemented her firmly as a recording artist.

Billie delivers songs that are laden with a honey-heavy dose of teenage trauma, without the fall into tired teen-angst clichés. There is no hackneyed pining about the pretty boy in P.E. here, and Eilish delivers perfect pop power, with adult lyrics that contain a clever dose of gravitas.

A few of our favourites are “Sitting all alone, mouth full of gun, in the driveway”, “Maybe it’s in the gutter, where I left my lover” and “I’ll sit and watch your car burn, with the fire you started in me”. Intense, but we love it.

Eilish’s range is able to contain a sense of sexiness, from the syrup of Lana Del Rey right down to the gravel of Nina Simone. Uncharacteristic for songs this sad, Eilish is wise enough to leave room to dance – upping the tempo with time changes, allowing your feet to tippity-tap.

Khalid

American Khalid, born to Sudanese parents, wrote his first album whilst still in high-school.

American Teen shot him into the U.S. Top Ten, and now he’s due to do the same across the pond.

Where American Teen is a bore-breaking chant for his troubled teen-peers, we can’t ignore the connotations of his post-American Teen hit Young, Dumb & Broke being titled almost the same as Nina Simone’s revolutionary To be Young, Gifted & Black. Indeed, as the political climate in America grows increasingly tense for minority communities, and with mainstream artists such as Beyoncé using their platform to boost the Black Lives Matter movement, it’s inspiring to see a kid from Georgia growing up and getting political.

Khalid produces mantra-music, which is as much at home on a summer road-trip as it is after a long day working for the establishment. He slips with ease into the hazy, high landscapes of Rihanna and D-12.

Overall, Khalid finds it easy to produce the sounds you’ll sing next summer. He’s a babe as well, and he states the only intention of his music is too ‘create happiness’. Sweetheart Drake is about to get a run for his money.

Found your new favourite sound? Bet your band is better? Check out Imperial Beats, the App that’s revolutionising social networks for music. Artist? Connect directly with producers and other musically similar artists and create something mind-blowing. Producer? Scroll, hear sounds, select and save your next pop-prodigy ready for world domination. You’ll all be getting awards.

]]>https://www.zimrii.com/predicting-3-breakout-artists-for-2018/feed/022285Top 4 music documentaries you can watch todayhttps://www.zimrii.com/top-4-music-documentaries-you-can-watch-today/
https://www.zimrii.com/top-4-music-documentaries-you-can-watch-today/#respondThu, 05 Jul 2018 09:16:17 +0000http://148.66.137.120/~qosg8xr2vujt/zimriiinew.au/?p=22400We all love a music documentary here at Zimrii. The best ones allow you to feel so much closer to...

]]>We all love a music documentary here at Zimrii. The best ones allow you to feel so much closer to the artist they’re about and their music. Seeing the behind the scenes of how some of our favourite albums were made, or classic tours played out, is such a thrill for fans. Luckily, there are many music documentaries out there that give this insight and experience of the world behind the music.

1. The Beatles: Eight Days a Week

You might have been around at the time and remember Beatlemania, you might not have been – either way, it’s something you need to see. Eight Days a Week does a great job of capturing the manic frenzy that followed the Fab Four all around the USA.

The Beatles at their peak achieved a level of fervent adoration unseen since. Their popularity changed the face of popular music forever. This film takes you as close to experiencing the raw passion of Beatlemania is it’s possible to get today.

2. Oasis: Supersonic

From the makers of Amy (more on that in a minute) and Senna, Supersonic is the definitive Oasis documentary. It’s about so much more than the band though. This film beautifully explores the Britpop phenomenon itself, and how ‘Cool Britannia’ swept the UK, and much of the world, in the 90s.

Of course, there’s so much for die hard Oasis fans to get into as well. Not least, the thoughts and recollections of both Noel and Liam Gallagher. Both cooperated with the making of the film but made no contact with each other. Any Oasis reunion seems a long, long way off. Still, we’ll always have Knebworth.

3. Amy

Amy Winehouse is certainly one of the most interesting musicians of the 21st Century. Her rollercoaster life, cut tragically short, makes for an emotive and compelling documentary. She deserved a film made about her befitting her talent, and in Amy that was delivered. A beautiful film about an incredible artist.

Amy truly was a deserved winner of the Academy Award for ‘best documentary feature’ in 2015.

4. Searching for Sugar Man

One of the most unique and innovative music documentaries on this list; Searching for Sugar Man documents two fans’ quest to discover what became of their hero. The idol in question, Sixto Rodriguez, you may never have heard of. This is not a film about the making of a superstar, it is a testament to the power of music and the love we have for those who create art that touches our hearts.

The story told in Searching for Sugar Man is profoundly strange. Sixto Rodriguez’s music never really took off in the USA but became very popular in South America – where very little was known about Rodriguez himself. In fact, he was widely believed to be dead. The documentary crew behind this film went on a journey to find out what truly became of Rodriguez.

These music documentaries, above all else, are simply great examples of the intense and complicated relationship people have with music. It is something few of us could even contemplate being without. These music documentaries are also great stories of triumph of over adversity and show the importance of never giving up. These films are as empowering and inspiring as the musician’s they focus upon.

]]>https://www.zimrii.com/top-4-music-documentaries-you-can-watch-today/feed/022400How to make money from musichttps://www.zimrii.com/how-to-make-money-from-music/
https://www.zimrii.com/how-to-make-money-from-music/#respondThu, 28 Jun 2018 11:06:37 +0000http://148.66.137.120/~qosg8xr2vujt/zimriiinew.au/?p=22246Talk to any (marginally or otherwise) successful musician, and they’ll tell you they didn’t get into it for the money....

]]>Talk to any (marginally or otherwise) successful musician, and they’ll tell you they didn’t get into it for the money. Like any other art, the pursuit of the perfect tune is an artistic one, where the tapestry of beautiful lyrics and a melody you just can’t shake breed a beast way more than the sum of its parts. Of course, we’d all love to live our lives as bohemian rock stars, where the road is our home and our fans scream our name each night – but the truth of the matter is it’s probably not going to happen. So how do you make real money from music?

Truth is, it is possible. Like all careers, it takes dedication, time and a lot of hard work. So, if you find you jolt awake in the dead of night with your hands hugged around your guitar, deep in the dream you made music to pay the rent – we hear you. To this end, we’ve listed our top ways you can make money from music, because what’s better than monetizing your best skill?

There’s a very easy way to make money from music that sits right under your nose. You know that music you hear on the news, documentaries, adverts and YouTube clips? Just like subtitles… it has to come from somewhere. Many professional musicians supplement their income in-between tours and album sessions this way. As the way we record and distribute music was revolutionised, so was the accessibility to create and sell stock music. It’s moved from a nice few professional providers out into a very real and accessible industry for all.

All you’ll need to get started is some basic recording equipment, your trusted instruments, and an ear to the pulse of stock music. Think this sounds too good to be true? Why not get some inspiration from these musicians? All who’ve managed to find their way to stock musician royalty.

Give me some credit

If a life of inoffensive indie guitar isn’t for you, then why not try your hand at writing songs for the big names? Many now-famous acts began their journey this way, and you follow in the footsteps of Prince, Lady Gaga and Charlie XCX.

But just how easy is it to break into songwriting?

The good news here is that there’s no one pathway to lyrical-god. The most famous songwriters you’ve never heard of all site different pathways; from the climb all the way up from studio engineer – to being swept up by record bosses at an age too young to be a pop-star, but not too young to produce. You’re most-likely to be approached by a record company with a songwriter contract if you’ve already taken the plunge into the write-record world, so don’t give up the hobby just yet.

Let’s get critical

Our final way to make money from music is also accessible to those who might struggle with an instrument. If you love music, why not try your hand at music reviews? Unlike other forms of journalism such as investigative or news, you don’t necessarily need an NTCJ qualification to break into this musical-field.

If you have a passion for music, a silver tongue, and the ability to turn around an album review in a few days – then you might find your home in the unique ranks of journalists that spent their youth as fresh-faced indie kids who, before Snapchat was a thing, sent direct messages to other indie kids they fancied about the Libertines on the internet.

These days, music journalism has changed. Gone are the days where newspapers would issue contracts and send specific individuals to every concert they could find. Nope, now you’ll find almost all music critic work is freelance. Which means, you need to pitch. Figure out exactly who and what you write about. It’s good idea to write a sample piece that you can send along with your pitch (it’s called writing “on spec”), or even to start a blog of your work. The more you can prove your knowledge and expertise, the more likely you are to win your bid.

Once that’s done, Google!

Find out who’s in charge of commissioning music reviews and email them. It’s a good idea to start small, with places that are less well-known, and build a house of credentials that glows as brightly as your love for the musical world. With a bit of hard work and lots of words, this is a viable way you can really make money from music.

Inspired to make money from music? Make sure you join Zimrii, the innovative music platform that allows you total control of your music business. Using Blockchain technology to register your Copyright and lock-down your ownership, Zimrii uses Smart Contracts and integrated crowdfunding features to help you connect with your audience and earn direct to artist – cutting away the outdated middleperson. It’s the twenty-first century music revolution!

]]>https://www.zimrii.com/how-to-make-money-from-music/feed/022246What makes a great summer song?https://www.zimrii.com/what-makes-a-great-summer-song/
https://www.zimrii.com/what-makes-a-great-summer-song/#respondFri, 22 Jun 2018 08:46:42 +0000http://148.66.137.120/~qosg8xr2vujt/zimriiinew.au/?p=22260Summer is here! The sky is blue, the clouds have departed and the sunscreen is out. There are so many...

]]>Summer is here! The sky is blue, the clouds have departed and the sunscreen is out. There are so many things that define the summertime; picnics, BBQs, Wimbledon, and of course, music. Our summers are usually sound tracked by some killer tunes. But what actually makes a great summer song? What’s the secret behind nailing that school’s-out-for-summer vibe?

Be radio friendly

Despite the surge in popularity of music streaming platforms, many people still discover and listen to new music via the radio. That means, to be a great summer song, it has to be great for the radio. There’s more to achieving that than you might think.

For instance, it’s not all about just not swearing (though that does help). Your lyrics shouldn’t be generic or lifeless, but they might do better to skirt around any contentious topics. Keeping things happy, or at least optimistic, is the way to go. Summer is the season of joy, and if a song is going to get heavy radio play, it needs to reflect that as radio stations want to play music that chimes with the mood of their listeners.

Being radio friendly also means not overstaying your welcome. Songs that do well on the radio typically only have a duration between the 3-4 minutes. Any longer and getting regular air time becomes tricky.

Be up for summer

Don’t be down on the summer season. As previously mentioned, summer is a time to feel happy and uplifted. That feeling should resonate in a great summer song.

A quick look back at some of the most popular summer tunes of recent years shows a pattern: ‘Cheerleader’ by OMI (2015), ‘Call Me Maybe’ by Carly Rae Jepsen (2012), ‘Party Rock Anthem’ by LMFAO (2011). The common theme here is the bright, buoyant and optimistic tone that all these tracks share. The subject of each song is very different, the moods though are strikingly similar.

Listening to a great summer song should gear you up for a great summer to come or take you back to a great summer gone by. Either way, that’s only possible if the mood of the song is positively buzzing.

Time it right

Some songs soar to the summit of the charts, others make slower, steadier progress up the ranks. Timing the release of a great summer song to make sure it peaks at precisely the right time is as important as it is difficult.

Marketing, the video, live dates and of course, the nature of the song itself, all need to be in alignment to give the song the best chance possible of it being a success. Generally, unless they’re being released by a well-known star, songs need time to gain momentum and popularity. That means, what goes on to be a great summer song, is often actually released in spring. That allows time for word to spread and for radio stations to introduce it to listeners as early as possible.

A truly great summer song is a joy to behold and can really capture spirit of the season. All of the above points are made based on the pattern that can be seen from previous summer hits. However, there is no ‘right way’ to create a great song, as with any art.

Honestly, predicting what people will love is pretty much pointless too. People tend to just enjoy what’s good, that has been created by talented people and offers them something new to experience. If you’re trying to make things you think will be successful, instead focus on just making things you think are good. Success, hopefully, will come as a by-product of that.

]]>https://www.zimrii.com/what-makes-a-great-summer-song/feed/0222603 Music trend predictions for 2019 (and beyond)https://www.zimrii.com/3-music-trend-predictions-for-2019-and-beyond/
https://www.zimrii.com/3-music-trend-predictions-for-2019-and-beyond/#respondThu, 14 Jun 2018 09:07:24 +0000http://148.66.137.120/~qosg8xr2vujt/zimriiinew.au/?p=22208In the last few years, with the rise of streaming, the music industry has undergone a revolution of sorts. The...

]]>In the last few years, with the rise of streaming, the music industry has undergone a revolution of sorts. The changes shall continue to come. As artists, fans and record labels continue to adapt, so further innovations and trends will crop up. At Zimrii we’ve got our crystal ball out and are taking a punt with some music trend predictions for 2019 and beyond.

1. Music will become increasingly socially conscious and political

The global political climate being what it is, large swathes of the population are feeling visceral and intense feelings of anger and disillusionment. As human beings, we naturally find means of expressing our discontent through art. Admittedly, this is nothing new. So why is it on this list of music trend predictions? Let us explain.

Like all fashions and trends, musical trends come in cycles and waves. We are fast approaching a time when, more frequently, artists making considered, passionate and sincere political statements will be what truly connects with a mainstream audience. The roots of this socially conscious revival can be seen in albums such as Beyoncé’s Lemonade.

Youth engagement figures with political issues are on the rise. This will eventually be reflected in the charts. Increased multiculturalism and social diversity shall also give rise to popular music which is more culturally expansive. The rise of grime music is evidence of new artists finding commercial and cultural success, without sacrificing or pacifying their identities and backgrounds.

2. Artists will become more and more independent

Not so long ago, stating that one day the internet rather than HMV would rule the record-buying world, and that streaming would be our default listening method, would have been a perfectly legitimate music trend prediction to make. That time is well and truly upon us, as we are now seeing the beginnings of a reaction to this new status quo.

Whilst streaming platforms have made music more accessible to a much wider fanbase than ever before, they do so at the expense of the artist. In financial terms at least. This is hitting the labels too. When it comes to artists and their labels, there’ll only be one winner – the ones the public want to see. The current trend for artists to set up their own, or attach themselves to, smaller independent labels will continue to gather steam.

What’s more, as the big labels get more desperate, they’ll take even less risks. More and more cash will be pumped into the funds of their flagship artists. This makes it even harder for exciting, innovative new acts to find a way through. This is where the indie labels can pick up the slack, and not just merely survive (as is the indie tradition) but thrive.

In short, the indie will become the mainstream, and the whole cycle shall repeat itself, over and over. We’re not actually sure that this one should count as one of our music trend predictions, seeing as it is more a simple reminder that history can, and will, repeat itself.

3. The live scene will become exciting again

One revenue stream that musicians won’t have to sacrifice to the streaming gods is the live experience they offer. Therefore, with a newfound vitality to the live music and touring market, competition shall escalate. Huge acts who already fill huge arenas shall continue to be able to do so. This is a trend that’ll have the biggest impact a little way down the ladder.

Smaller acts will be prioritising building their reputations as great live performers. This fight to be the finest live act out there shall see the live music scene explode with exciting, unique and revolutionary experiences.

This is also great for venues. Lots of iconic and beloved live music venues have struggled in recent years. This potential revival of the live scene could help save these historic artefacts of music history. New history shall also be made in those hallowed halls. In twenty-five years’ time we’ll all be saying ‘I was there when…’. For that reason alone, of all our music trend predictions, we really want this one to come true.

These music trend predictions may well prove wide of the mark. However, given the signs of the times before us, we believe they’re a reasonable projection of where the music industry is heading. There are great things we’ll leave behind (we don’t see CDs getting the ‘vinyl revival’ treatment). However, there’ll be great discoveries along the way. Remember, one hundred years ago, even rock and roll didn’t exist. In any case, we’ll be along for the ride.

]]>https://www.zimrii.com/3-music-trend-predictions-for-2019-and-beyond/feed/022208How to make music at homehttps://www.zimrii.com/how-to-make-music-at-home/
https://www.zimrii.com/how-to-make-music-at-home/#respondThu, 07 Jun 2018 08:43:55 +0000http://148.66.137.120/~qosg8xr2vujt/zimriiinew.au/?p=22229So… it’s time. Time to make music at home. You’ve thought about it for months, you’ve written some incredible lyrics,...

]]>So… it’s time. Time to make music at home. You’ve thought about it for months, you’ve written some incredible lyrics, you’ve found a melody that aches and darts; interspersed with the dark poetry that’s reflected in your deepest words. In fact, you might have even found your band, your little close knit-bunch of brothers and sisters who’ll help you share your vision with the world.

Decades ago, it would not have been possible to make music at home. Time in the studio was expensive, tape to record on was expensive, producers and manufacture costs were expensive. But all hail the digital revolution, and along with it the ability to produce and record from the comfort of your own home. So much so, that it’s now possible to rise to fame with music made from your very own safe space.

So, if you’ve got your mojo together, now is definitely the time to strike. And we’re here to help. We’ve set out our tip-top essential elements, that’ll enable you to make music at home. It requires that you invest a little, but you can’t put a price on artistic freedom, right?

First, figure out your digital audio workstation

A digital audio workstation, commonly abbreviated to DAW, is software used to record, edit and produce audio files. So, it’s important you select the right one for your needs, as you’ll be confined inside the constraints of what it can do.

There are a number of options available to you:

Cubase – Cubase is the daddy of the gang. It was the first ever DAW, installed on the Atari ST computer in 1989 (if none of those words made sense, click here). Back in the 80s, you only had the one option, and Cubase has moved with the times to offer a powerful and dynamic workstation that offers a free trial and low purchase cost (under £100).

Logic Pro – Logic Pro then, is Apple’s answer to Cubase. It’s your one stop shop for absolutely anything to do with music and has advanced so far ahead of its competitors that you are able to perform functions that boggle the mind such as build your own drum-kit and fixes for if anyone is out of time. It is, however, expensive – the full version will set you back £199.99

GarageBand – GarageBand, on the other hand, is Apple’s stripped-down version of Logic Pro. Originally it was to aid podcasters and amateur musicians, however – mostly, we assume, as it’s free – it quickly outperformed the above to in popularity. Many big-name artists have since released their music with a GarageBand file, to encourage remixes. Whilst it doesn’t offer the in-depth features and mastering options given in Logic Pro; if you have talent and know your tune inside out – it is a comprehensive and valued alternative that avoids spending big bucks.

Next, you’re going need a microphone

Okay so, this is one area where you might have to part with a bit of money. Vocals are the only part of your music that you can’t easily synthesize with a DAW, so you’ll need them to have as much punch and sparkle as the rest of your track.

It’s a good idea to buy a USB microphone to make music at home. This will be slightly smaller from the one you use on stage, and – crucially, have a USB attachment, and output a digital signal. You should look to spend no more than £150. It’s a situation where the more you pay, the clearer your vocals will sound. It’s also a good idea to invest in a pop shield, to counteract the effect of the whoosh of the air against the microphone.

Below, we’ve listed two of our favourites:

Shure SM58 – the Shure SM58 has long held the title of “Most Popular Vocal Mic in the World”. It’s got an in-built pop shield and is designed to filter out frequencies that mastering removes.

Rode NT1A – The Road NT1A is your classic industry standard mic. It’s what you’d use if you were to shell the money out and go into the studio. Its gold plated, meaning your signal is clearer, and it comes with a ten-year warranty.

USB Preamp

Finally, we’re going assume that you already have a whole cacophony of guitars. As they output an analogue signal, you’ll need something to take this signal and turn it into a digital waveform that your DAW can understand; so, you can play your kick-ass riffs.

As with microphones, there are a number of USB preamps for a wide range of prices. Which one you purchase, depends on your specific needs. We could write a whole extra blog on the selection progress, but when you’re ready to start your research, this article is a good place to start.

Ready to make music at home?! Make sure you join Zimrii, the innovative music platform that allows you total control of your music business. Using Blockchain technology to register your Copyright and lock-down your ownership, Zimrii uses Smart Contracts and integrated crowdfunding features to help you connect with your audience and earn direct to artist – cutting away the outdated middleperson. It’s the twenty-first century music revolution!

]]>https://www.zimrii.com/how-to-make-music-at-home/feed/0222295 Things that highlight the importance of musichttps://www.zimrii.com/5-things-that-highlight-the-importance-of-music/
https://www.zimrii.com/5-things-that-highlight-the-importance-of-music/#respondThu, 31 May 2018 07:43:59 +0000http://148.66.137.120/~qosg8xr2vujt/zimriiinew.au/?p=22147Asking why music is important might initially seem like an odd question. It obviously just is. But we think we...

]]>Asking why music is important might initially seem like an odd question. It obviously just is. But we think we can find a better answer – or answers – than that. The importance of music is due to many factors. Not only that, on an individual level, music is important to each of us for very different reasons. A certain song may take you back to a beautiful moment in your life and therefore be very meaningful to you. In a more global sense, music means something important to almost everyone, and every culture, on Earth.

1. It’s a universal language

As a human race we currently speak just shy of a whopping 7000 living languages between ourselves. Inevitably, this means that many people only understand what a small portion of the global population are saying. This isn’t true of music. Music truly is a universal language. Bars of Chopin or Tchaikovsky can have as profound an effect upon the ears of anyone, no matter where they’re from. Music can transcend verbal communication. Nessun Dorma may be sung in Italian, but even if ‘Ciao’ is the limit of your Italian, we defy your heart not to swell when you hear it.

2. It is everywhere

Music is practically inescapable. Especially in the modern world, when songs are mainlined into every shop, waiting room and café you come by. This signifies the importance of music in our culture; it’s something we feel we can’t be without. People know that music can lift our spirits and brighten our mood. Therefore, it’s something they want in their homes and places of business.

Equally, the radio, television and cinema are all purveyors of music to extreme extents. No one understands the power of music better than those in the entertainment industry, therefore they never miss an opportunity to use it.

3. It helps us through our lives

The right piece of music can dramatically alter your mood, emotional state and outlook on life. It really is that powerful. What the ‘right piece of music’ for you is, is subjective. That’s something you have to find out for yourself. That journey of discovery though is one of the joys of the musical world we live in. There really is music available to suit everyone and anyone. This further highlights the importance of music: the reliance and faith we place in it to support us through low times and elevate our highs.

4. It brings people together

Music is a unifying force in many senses. The most awkward of family events can be salvaged by a dancefloor and a good DJ. A revolutionary movement can be inspired, maintained and identified by music. Music can be tribal, and a welcoming embrace to all. It can be what a couple who go on to love each other for life first bond over. It can provide a great pub debate topic. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry simply because we are all willing to pay that much. Nothing quite underlines the importance of music more than realising how many things, big and small, that music is important to.

5. It’s a form of expression through art

As a society, or just as people, we yearn to express ourselves. Art, in all it’s guises, is often the form our expression takes. Music is one of these art forms and is as expressive as any other. It is also one of the most accessible art forms. Music can be created with your voice, your hands, sticks and stones and, indeed, a 16-piece band. We need to express ourselves, to tell people how we are feeling, and to connect with one another. It’s what makes us alive. That’s the importance of music. So, yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

The true measure of the importance of music, for our money, is in its unique significance to you. Is music something you feel you could live without? If not, then we think that just about sums it up.